Assistant Director, Stewardship & Donor Experience

USGA • Bernards, NJ

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Director, Stewardship & Donor Experience oversees the design and execution of a comprehensive donor engagement and stewardship program. The role creates meaningful donor experiences, strengthens relationships, and inspires continued philanthropic support for the USGA Foundation’s mission to advance the game of golf. It leads a portfolio of high-impact events and engagement opportunities that deepen donor relationships and support the Foundation’s fundraising goals.

Working with Foundation leadership and the Senior Director of Capital Giving, the Assistant Director develops stewardship strategies aligned with fundraising priorities and ensures a seamless, high-quality donor experience. The role also oversees personalized donor acknowledgments, evaluates event effectiveness, tracks engagement and retention, and collaborates with Prospect Research to inform individualized stewardship strategies.

The position is based at the USGA’s Liberty Corner, New Jersey campus on a hybrid schedule. Employees work in the office three days per week, Monday through Thursday; Tuesdays and Wednesdays are mandatory, and employees select Monday or Thursday for their third office day.

Requirements

• At least 7 years of experience in stewardship, events, donor relations, or related fields; preferably within a foundation, higher education, or mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated success designing donor stewardship strategies that support major gifts, endowments, and philanthropic initiatives.
• Proven success delivering high-quality donor experiences with exceptional attention to detail and a focus on relationship building.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into compelling, donor-centric communications and impact reports that convey outcomes and inspire continued support.
• An authentically mission-driven person who aligns with the USGA’s purpose to unify, showcase, govern, and advance the game of golf.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting fundraising efforts within an established philanthropic program is preferred.
• Experience in a foundation, higher education, or mission-driven organization is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy and development of a comprehensive donor stewardship program in partnership with Foundation leadership.
• Plan and prepare a portfolio of high-impact donor events and experiences.
• Partner with the Senior Director of Capital Giving to align stewardship strategies with fundraising priorities and provide a seamless, high-quality donor experience.
• Oversee the development, production, and timely delivery of accurate, personalized, meaningful donor acknowledgment letters.
• Evaluate event effectiveness and continuously refine the Foundation’s approach to donor experiences.
• Leverage internal relationships and resources to provide meaningful donor communications and experiences.
• Track and analyze donor engagement, stewardship activities, and retention metrics.
• Collaborate with the Prospect Research team to develop donor profiles that support personalized stewardship strategies and strengthen donor engagement.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, including a zero-contribution medical plan for full-time employees.
• Retirement plans with a generous annual contribution from the USGA.
• Programs promoting physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
• Generous paid time off, plus the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day off.
• Off-site team-building events.
• On-site gym and golf simulator.
• Professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed